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Sheet Pan Caramel Apples have become the dessert my family dreams about as soon as the leaves start to fall. This recipe is pure autumn magic on a tray and a total crowd-pleaser at any gathering. You get all that classic caramel apple flavor without a sticky mess or the need for individual dipping. Simple enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough for a party platter these are a must for anyone who loves crunchy sweet and salty desserts.
I first started making these when my oldest was too little to bite into whole caramel apples and now it is a fall tradition. The whole family gathers around the pan to decorate and snack together and those memories are just as sweet as the apples.
Ingredients
- Large apples: crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness
- Caramel sauce: go for a thick storebought sauce or make it homemade for extra flavor
- Chocolate chips: bittersweet or semisweet are delicious quality chips melt smoothly
- Chopped peanuts: choose roasted unsalted for the best fresh crunch or swap in your favorite nuts
- Mini marshmallows: these get gooey in the caramel and add fun kid appeal
- Sprinkles: to add pops of color keep it festive and optional
- Crushed graham crackers: these make each bite taste like an apple pie version optional but highly recommended
- Sea salt: brightens all the flavors and gives a delicate finish use flaked if possible and just a tiny pinch
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples under cold water and dry them completely. Slice each apple into thin wedges about half an inch thick. Arrange the slices as a single even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet so none overlap. This ensures each piece gets plenty of topping.
- Drizzle the Caramel:
- Warm your caramel sauce in a small bowl in the microwave for fifteen to twenty seconds until it is pourable but still thick. Slowly and evenly drizzle the caramel back and forth over every apple slice. Try to get good coverage so each slice gets that sticky sweetness in every bite.
- Add the Chocolate:
- Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in thirty-second bursts stirring between each until just melted and smooth. With a spoon or fork drizzle the chocolate over the caramel apples in thin lines or zigzags for a pretty finish.
- Top with Treats:
- Scatter chopped peanuts mini marshmallows sprinkles and crushed graham crackers over the sticky apple slices. Press larger toppings lightly so they stick well. Customize with anything your family loves or use just one or two.
- Let Set and Serve:
- Let the caramel and chocolate cool for a few minutes on the pan so the toppings set and everything firms up slightly. Sprinkle just a little sea salt over everything if desired for a sweet-salty finish. Serve right off the pan for a fun and casual treat.
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The sprinkles always get the most smiles in my house and the kids fight over the marshmallow loaded slices. One year my daughter requested this as her birthday treat and now it is in regular celebration rotation. There is something about that pan coming out of the oven all gooey and colorful that brings everyone running.
Storage Tips
These caramel apples are best eaten the day you make them when the apples are crisp and the toppings are firm. If you do have leftovers store them in a single layer in an airtight container. Separate layers with parchment to avoid sticking. They will keep in the fridge for a day but they lose some texture after a while.
Ingredient Substitutions
If nuts are off limits swap in sunflower seeds or crushed pretzels for salty crunch. Dairy free chocolate chips and coconut-based caramel sauce can make this allergy-friendly. For a twist you can use pears or even banana slices but apples hold up best.
Serving Suggestions
Pile these on a big platter for movie night dessert or serve in cupcake liners for a party tray. They make a playful addition to fall potlucks and school events. I love making a mini DIY toppings bar so everyone can pick what they like best.
Quick History
Caramel apples were invented in the early nineteen hundreds as a more festive twist on the classic candied apple. Making them sheet pan style is a new family-friendly way to capture the nostalgic flavor without the mess or toothache of the original.
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Try them once and you will want to make these caramel apples every fall. They really are the easiest and most joyful way to enjoy this classic treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Firm, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold up well and balance the sweetness.
- → Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, either store-bought or homemade caramel works perfectly for drizzling over the apples.
- → How do I melt chocolate chips smoothly?
Microwave chocolate chips in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
- → Are there nut-free topping options?
Absolutely! Try mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers for delicious nut-free alternatives.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
They're best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and assemble right before serving.